The Digital Library: A Vast Knowledge Space and an Innovative Cultural Platform

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of reading and knowledge-sharing through its Digital Library, part of the Dubai Public Library network. Since its launch in 2021, the Digital Library has given members access to more than 140,000 e-books and publications, along with thousands of research papers, academic theses, periodicals, and specialised reports. It supports Dubai Culture’s mission to nurture an informed and engaged generation capable of contributing to the nation’s sustainable development, while advancing the Authority’s digital transformation agenda in line with Dubai’s vision to become a global model for smart cities.

The collection spans literature, science, history, medicine, the arts, economics, and education, with publications available in Arabic, and English. It provides leading reference titles, local and international newspapers and magazines, and specialised materials that make it a go-to destination for students, researchers, and reading enthusiasts.

The Digital Library connects members to a wide variety of international databases. These include OverDrive, with its extensive catalogue of e-books, and audiobooks tailored to meet the needs of blind People of Determination; Britannica, a renowned digital encyclopaedia offering over 75,000 articles, 23,000 biographies, and interactive learning tools; and the Research Library, which houses more than 6,200 academic titles across entrepreneurship, medicine, social sciences, and literature. Users can also explore Global Newsstream, a comprehensive source of news, reports, and features from outlets such as The New York Times and The Guardian, as well as Marefa, a leading Arabic database with over 36,000 sources on culture, arts, and literature.

Available through the Dubai Public Library mobile app and website, the Digital Library delivers a smooth, intuitive interface with advanced search tools by topic, language, or material type. Users can save, translate, share content, and create personalised favourites lists. In 2024, the platform welcomed nearly 300 new members, reflecting its role in extending the reach of heritage, educational, and research materials.

Abdulrahman Kalbat, Director of the Public Libraries Department at Dubai Culture, described the Digital Library as a “qualitative leap in the knowledge and digital services provided by Dubai Public Libraries.” He noted: “Designed to the highest standards, the Digital Library has become a hub for cultural and educational resources, both from Dubai Public Libraries and global platforms. This reinforces its role as a vital community asset that broadens horizons for our audience and enhances their skills.”

Kalbat added that its interactive features make the reading and learning experience more dynamic, enabling users to browse, read, and download materials anytime, anywhere.